Qualitative and quantitative analysis of aerosol and droplet dispersion during simulated dental implant procedures using three types of instruments.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the generation and dispersion dynamics of aerosols and droplets produced during dental procedures, including implant surgery. MATERIALS & METHODS: Dental procedures were simulated on a test model using three different instruments: an air turbine handpiece, an ultrasonic device, and an implant motor. Particle behavior was visualized using two types of illumination light sources combined with a high-speed digital camera, enabling both qualitative and quantitative assessments of aerosol and droplet dispersion. Additionally, droplet deposition on water-sensitive paper placed in three different locations was analyzed to compare dispersion patterns among the three instruments. RESULTS: The air turbine handpiece produced the highest luminance intensity (mean ± SD: 112.3 ± 6.4 a.u., n = 9), which was significantly greater than that of the implant motor (78.5 ± 5.2 a.u., n = 9; p < 0.05). For all devices, droplet diffusion was lower during molar treatment than during anterior tooth procedures. Water-sensitive paper analysis revealed increased droplet deposition at the extraoral vacuum site when the vacuum was activated (air turbine: 62 droplets; ultrasonic device: 49 droplets; n = 3 trials each), whereas droplet counts decreased at the patient's forehead. CONCLUSIONS: Simulated implant surgery generated less droplet dispersion compared with other dental procedures. Furthermore, the use of an extraoral vacuum markedly reduced droplet spread during various dental treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data support layered controls-judicious instrument selection and extraoral suction-to reduce exposure during aerosol-generating procedures. Findings derive from a standardized simulation and should be validated in clinical settings.